All private employers in New York City will have to mandate Covid-19 vaccinations for their workers, the city’s mayor, Bill de Blasio, has announced.
The vaccine mandate for private businesses will take effect on 27 December. De Blasio said it is is aimed at preventing a spike in Covid infections during the holiday season and the colder months.
“We in New York City have decided to use a preemptive strike to really do something bold to stop the further growth of Covid and the dangers it’s causing to all of us,” de Blasio said on MSNBC’s Morning Joe programme, according to the Associated Press.
“All private-sector employers in New York City will be covered by this vaccine mandate as of 27 December.”
The city already has vaccine mandates for hospital and nursing home workers and city employees including teachers, police officers and firefighters, as well as a separate mandate for employees of private and religious schools that was announced last week.
De Blasio said he expects the new mandate to survive any legal challenges, despite a temporary block issued by federal courts on an attempt by the president, Joe Biden, to impose a similar mandate nationwide.
Current New York City COVID-19 rules also include at least one vaccine dose for indoor restaurant dining, entertainment venues and fitness centres.
Under new mandates for indoor dining, entertainment and gyms, two shots will be required for people over 12. One shot will be required for children aged 5 to 11, who are not covered by the current mandate, de Blasio said.
SOURCE : Guardian
